The Neighbourhoods, Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to discuss progress on the city's parks strategy, green and blue infrastructure, and sustainable food initiatives. Key discussions included the ongoing development of the CyanLines programme, updates on the city's parks and green spaces, and efforts to promote sustainable food practices and community food growing. The committee also reviewed the Tree and Woodland Action Plan and the Biodiversity Strategy, noting the impact of recent extreme weather on the city's green infrastructure.

Manchester's Park Strategy 2017-2027

The committee received an update on Manchester's Park Strategy, highlighting significant investment in parks, grounds maintenance, and urban green spaces. Councillor Basat Sheikh, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, thanked the Parks Team, volunteers, Friends of Groups, and community organisations for their contributions. The committee noted the importance of parks for climate resilience, particularly in light of recent heatwaves, and welcomed investment in age-friendly parks, play equipment, and an increase in Park Rangers. The introduction of a dedicated Friends Group Co-ordinator was also discussed, with questions raised about its sufficiency and how to better engage diverse communities. Concerns were raised about anti-social behaviour in parks, with assurances given that partnerships with Greater Manchester Police and Neighbourhood Teams were in place to address these issues. The committee requested a citywide parks performance dashboard, including asset conditions, climate resilience metrics, safety indicators, and a backlog of reported issues, as well as a rolling 12-month forecast of upcoming works in parks.

Manchester Green and Blue Strategy and Implementation Plan Annual Update and a report on the Tree and Woodland Action Plan

An update was provided on the delivery of the Green and Blue Implementation Plan, the Biodiversity Strategy, and the Tree and Woodland Action Plan. Councillors welcomed the innovative work in this area and commended officers. Concerns were raised about the reliance of voluntary and community organisations on short-term funding, and a call was made for greater celebration and communication of environmental management successes across Manchester. The impact of the summer drought and heatwaves on trees was a significant point of discussion, with particular attention paid to their vulnerability to autumn storms and the need for drought resilience measures. The committee welcomed the Bloomtown Blossom Trail and suggested its extension, and discussed tree maintenance, including epicormic growth and the replacement of trees lost to disease or development. The committee requested a response to specific questions regarding trees for the next meeting and emphasised the need for more comprehensive celebration and communication of environmental management successes.

CyanLines Programme - Progress Update

The committee reviewed the progress of the CyanLines programme, a partnership initiative aimed at creating a greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient Manchester through a network of connected routes. Councillors welcomed the work undertaken in the programme's first year and its potential for expansion. Discussions touched upon the design of routes for cyclists and pedestrians, the temporary trees on Deansgate, and the initiative's impact on biodiversity. The importance of involving schools and linking CyanLines with existing infrastructure like the Greater Manchester Ringway was highlighted. The committee requested further information on how routes are selected, how their potential is measured, and how communities can influence prioritisation.

Sustainable Food Update

An update was provided on the city's progress in promoting sustainable food practices, focusing on the 'Food for the Planet' objectives within the Manchester Food Strategy 2023-28. The report highlighted community food growing initiatives, including the Growing Manchester programme, and other work led by the Council and partner organisations. Discussions included improvements to school food, the positive work at Prospect House special needs primary school, and the Council's commitment to ending the use of single-use plastics. The process for community groups to access land for growing was discussed, with a request made for the Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport to liaise with Corporate Property to simplify this process and celebrate the work of community growing groups. The committee also noted that the Council was aiming to achieve carbon literacy for 85,000 people by 2028.

Overview Report

The committee reviewed the Overview Report, which included a monitor of previous recommendations, a summary of key decisions relevant to the committee's remit, and the committee's work programme. A request was made to include air quality during heatwaves and wildfires in the upcoming report on the Air Quality Vision and Action Plan. The committee noted the report and agreed the work programme.